Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Director of Academic Projects at the President’s Office Dr Yuhyun Park has used an innovative educational entertainment programme to teach digital citizenship, moral character and critical thinking.

The programme titled ‘iZ Hero Adventure: Fostering Citizenship in the 21st Century Digital Age’ uses animated characters to make learning fun and interactive.

Focusing on digital safety education for children and youths aged between six and 13, it raises awareness of the dangers of the internet, such as obscene and violent content, abusive language, sexual predators, cyber bullies, and technology addiction.

Using entertaining storytelling approach, games, social networks and interactive exhibitions, the programme teaches the young healthy values including empathy, respect and resilience.

This year, the project will focus on cyber-bullying through the ‘HERO Campaign’ that spans across countries in Southeast Asia and Korea, said Park.

Last month, the programme was awarded ‘Wenhui Award’s Honourable Commendations for Educational Innovation 2013’ by UNESCO Asia Pacific Programme of Educational Innovation for Development and the National Commission of the People’s Republic of China for UNESCO.